Commissioner Johnny Weaver said citizens need to see improvements as a result of increases.

The board will have a budget workshop May 16 at 7 p.m. in the community building.

In other business, town Administrator Lonnie Graves presented an update on the construction of Dees Memorial Park. He said S.E. Sasser of Fremont would begin erecting the stage within two weeks. Work on the parking lot and walking path will start soon, he said. Graves said Basnight & Associates would begin construction of the playground upon the completion of necessary paperwork. He said the park will be complete in time for the town's Independence Day celebration.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, town resident Dennis Lewis expressed frustration with the slowness of response from the town in regard to several issues he has brought to officials' attention.

"There's controversy most every time I ask for something," Lewis said, noting that it took months for him to get a reply from the town about the return of a utility deposit.

The board agreed to require citizens who want to speak at the public forum to give notice in advance. Residents are asked to put topics on the agenda by noon on the Friday prior to the meeting. The agenda is posted at the town hall.